:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50553591/usa-today-9500997.0.jpg)
There's a lot of doom and gloom perculating among Atlanta Falcons fans following Thursday night's loss. There's a small army of injured players we're keeping an eye on. Matt Ryan is expected to play in the fourth preseason game, like some kind of bench warming scrub. All of head coach Dan Quinn's hair fell out.
I suppose it's understandable. But damn y'all, it's been a depressing 48 hours. Believe it or not, Pro Football Focus did have some nice things to say about the Falcons' on-the-field performance. In particular they raved about the interior line play.
New center Alex Mack only allowed one QB pressure on 24 pass-blocking snaps. Guards Andy Levitre and Ben Garland both only allowed one pressure on the evening as well, and graded positively as pass protectors. Mack is joining an offensive line that earned solid grades last season. The Falcons could be underrated up front in 2016.
PFF also had nice things to say about cornerback Jalen Collins. He was in coverage 9 times Thursday night and the Dolphins only targeted him once. (He broke up that pass.)
I know, I know. "But James, we suck!" Fine, I'm glad you feel that way.